A Career in Architecture Can Be a Great Choice For Those Who Want to Make a Difference
Architecture is one of the most enduring arts practiced by humankind. It helps the man-made fit in harmony with nature while promoting health and well-being, enriching lives aesthetically and spiritually, providing economic opportunities, and creating a legacy that reflects and symbolizes culture and traditions.
The discipline is defined by structures, which are a set of components that form a system and its relations: how they fit together, invoke each other, communicate, synchronize, and otherwise interact.
Understanding the Complexity
The complexity of architecture lies not just in its physical design but also in its social and environmental implications. Complexity science explores how a large collection of components, locally interacting with each other at small scales, can spontaneously self-organize to exhibit non-trivial global structures and behaviors at larger scales, often without external intervention or central authority.
According to Herbert Simon, the first researcher to study this phenomenon, two aspects characterize complexity: distinction and connection. Distinction corresponds to variety, heterogeneity, and constraint, while connection leads to order and negentropy (i.e., a structure that is completely determined by the position of its constituent molecules).
This distinction is critical to understanding the behavior of complex systems. For example, a gas molecule can be entirely independent of its neighboring molecules, but a complex structure with several billion hydrogen bonds is not because each hydrogen bond is bound to a specific neighbor.
Experiencing Architecture First-Hand
Experiencing architecture firsthand is an important way to understand it. This can be done by visiting architectural landmarks, exploring new cities, or taking design classes.
It can also be done through an externship program, which gives students the opportunity to work under a real-world architect. These programs are available at many colleges and universities across the country.
One of the most popular externship programs is at Drexel University, where students spend a week shadowing an architect on a project and learn about the profession from a different perspective. This experience provides invaluable insight into the day-to-day challenges of architects and the profession as a whole.
Embracing Change
Embracing change can be a challenge. However, it can also be a great way to learn and grow.
In the end, embracing change helps you gain confidence and meet your goals. It allows you to handle setbacks, and it allows you to appreciate your success even more.
One way to embrace change is by trying new things. For example, you could try a different cuisine or exercise routine.
Another way to embrace change is to keep your creativity active. Doing creative activities such as drawing or gardening keeps your mind sharp and helps you release the uncomfortable emotions you feel during adversity or changes in your life.
Embracing change is a necessary skill for workers in 2020, as technology, staff, processes, and market trends continue to evolve. It is important for employers to help their employees embrace change so that they can be productive parts of the organization. This can be done by providing resources that are needed during the transition periods and making sure employees feel supported.
Making a Difference
A career in architecture can be a great choice if you want to make a difference in your community. This field allows you to combine your interests in design, engineering, math, and history, which can help you feel more engaged and connected with your work.
Architects are responsible for designing buildings that are safe, functional, and able to stand up to their environment. They also ensure that they are using environmentally friendly materials to limit pollution, reduce costs, and increase the longevity of their projects.
In the midst of global challenges like climate change, the need for sustainable building practices is increasing. Architects must also focus on preserving water and soil resources as they design entire cities.
Architecture is one of the most enduring arts practiced by humankind. It helps the man-made fit in harmony with nature while promoting health and well-being, enriching lives aesthetically and spiritually, providing economic opportunities, and creating a legacy that reflects and symbolizes culture and traditions. The discipline is defined by structures, which are a set of…